Magpies unleashing Gordon to lead line

NEWCASTLE United boss Eddie Howe admits Anthony Gordon is in the box seat to lead the line against Aston Villa on the opening weekend of the season.

- LEE RYDER Chief Newcastle United writer [e-mail] @lee_ryder

Gordon shone in Seoul with an industrious performance and has demonstrated in preseason that he is getting back to his best levels.

The fact Alexander Isak could miss both games against Espanyol and Atletico Madrid at St James' Park this weekend, puts a question mark over both his future and availability of United's most proven provider of goals.

Howe gave William Osula a big chance to prove himself in preseason with three starts, but he failed to get close to a goal and showed why he still has a lot to learn.